Genre: Post rock/Progressive rock

Track listing:

01 Benthos
02 Weightless frame
03 Weightless thought
04 Trieste
05 Resurface
06 Melted wings
07 Thawed horizon
08 Aves

Gifts from Enola has the quality that other Post rock bands lack off when confronted with general progressiveness, they are able to twist the form from its creation in its entirety and are able to shock with the emotiveness from this development. They are dedicated more to create a solid atmospheric structure considered as a whole; instrumentally, atmospherically and rhythmically, that way its progressions are noticed as a continuum of fluctuating fantasy and grace, establishing a transit of new findings and momentum that always seduces the listener with its cinematic character. This is the third album on the personal diary from Harrisonbourg, Va based sextet and it really depicts nor only its technical ability but its well focused development as a band. If taken care with attention its clear that the band didn’t intend to sound as anything or anyone in particular and that is a must for everyone wanting to create something original. Its true that we may find influences from classic bands in the Post Rock/Shoegaze/Progressive rock spectrum that they display but that’s merely a cultural accident as Gifts from Enola brings its own soul to share, uncompromised with any particular aural doctrine or style.

“From fathoms” is an album that seduces from entrance with its beauty, delicious accords that smoothly and delicately transform in a wall of intense sonority accompanied by interesting acoustic effects and electronics synthesis; this is an aspect that will enhance the agile progressiveness and colossal complexion fro the band’s character through the whole record. Tribal rhythms and melancholic harmonies established by delicious accords and a radiant wall of intense reverb will be constants for condensing the rich and multifaceted construction seconded by Jazzy throbs on the bass lines and eloquent rhythmic changes, lots of lyrical arrangements and strong but elegant riffage destined to solve the equation between rhythm and melody. The album seems to sum up all the best from post rock with flirts into Metal riffs and some growls defined by Death Metal aesthetics (although these are only occasional) Sweet arpeggios serve as introduction for most tracks then proceeding in explosive riffs and hardened drums. To notice how the riffs always preserves this dual quality of sweetness and grace with strong advocacy for rhythm complemented by the Jazzy introits of the bass lines and percussive elements and analogue synths, radio sampling and programmed drums serving as transition, all these are aspects that defines the distinctive band’s personality.

On the more heavy side from the work the guitar contributes with strong rhythmic hooks anchored in hard rock that usually complement the more rutilant side from the album sided with harmonica melodies and subtle electronics, the typical grandiloquent wall of sound from shoegaze and the original growls from the vocalist that subtly appears on the magical “Benthos”. This track evidences as well the great utilization from synths serving as enhancers from the wall of sound from guitar reverbs, additionally some samplers appears along with sophisticated harmonic dynamics that grant the work with this particular movement that exemplifies grace and mutation additionally there is mysterious samplers and electronic effects and some programmed drums that serve as bridge for the entrance of the second track. When the guitar decides to hit bluntly it does as in “Weightless thought” that contrasts a groovy set with defined rhythmic muscle reminding a bit the muscle from Placebo and the pop darkness from Smashing Pumpkins proceeding in almost Math core set of complex rhythmic-harmonic guitar sets with savage twangs and brilliant percussions.

The general atmosphere from the work is exultant and this aspect is special when aided by the prompt help from the well achieved progression considered by the band. Details are abundant for the arrangements that juxtaposed with the euphoria of the riffs and the passionate atmospheric wall of sound ultimately comes as the soundtrack for a modern love affair. The progressions are beautiful usually administering excellent harmonies and instrumental filigree giving to the work a perfect balance and consolidation between rhythm and beautiful development. When it comes to the bass it does highlight on most tracks but specially on “Trieste” with its hypnotic initiation progressing into an almost Thrash metal accompaniment, it is gentle and sweet on “Melted wings” where it adheres to the tribal like drumming from the beginning. This album is definitively energetic and much focused on its direction, the listener will always find something to loose in, from the incredible harmonic progressions to the uncanny atmospheres and the rhythmic formations, this is a good fusion of progressiveness and ethereal music. Good stuff!